What are the responsibilities and job description for the Customs Trade Specialist position at GHY International?
Join a Best-Managed Employer as a Trade Specialist
At GHY, we don’t just move goods across borders — we move possibilities forward. As a “Best-Managed” Employer, we’re proud to be a family-led organization where people genuinely care about their work, their clients, and one another.
For over a century, we’ve been helping importers and exporters trade confidently in global markets. With offices across Canada and the United States — including Toronto, Emerson, Winnipeg, Calgary, Vancouver, North Dakota, and South Carolina — GHY continues to grow through integrity, innovation, and care.
About the Role:
Reporting to the Client Care Manager, the Trade Specialist is responsible for the day-to-day care of our clients, including the transactional audit of released shipments, database maintenance, creation of new parts and support of the release team. The Trade Specialist has a full comprehension of the release process, the ability to provide outstanding service to our clients and work with Customs in a professional manner.
What You'll Do:
- Day-to-day Client Care, including problem resolution
- Assisting, teaching, coaching and mentoring team members as needed in support of the day-to day transactional processing and client needs
- Keeping up to date on current CBP regulations and PGA programs, researching as necessary to assist clients and associates
- Engage in carrier, vendor, Customs and client communication via telephone and email
- Audit entries for quality control
- Creation and maintenance of internal client work instructions
- Assist as needed in executing accurate customs entries in brokerage systems for all modes of transportation, ensuring timely processing and submission to Customs
- Client database maintenance, including FTA correlations and updating annual certificates
- Other duties, as required
What You Bring:
- Demonstrate a strong track record of success in their current position
- Ability to represent GHY and be the voice of the company while interacting with clients and colleagues in a professional, collaborative manner
- Exceptional client service skills
- Strong, friendly, upbeat verbal and written communication skills
- Attention to detail and logic with the ability to make objective business decisions and prioritize work in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to make moment of truth decisions to limit liability to GHY and our clients
- Experience successfully navigating different client nuances and SOP’s
- Self-motivated and can work independently
- Can proactively recognize problems and work to resolve them
- Advanced knowledge of US Customs rules and regulations
- Advanced knowledge of Invoice (entry) requirements
- Advanced knowledge of PGA requirements and data elements required for entry
- Advanced knowledge of tariff classification, GRI’s, GN’s and explanatory notes
- Experience with customs brokerage software
- Proficient in Outlook, Word, and Excel
- Tolerance to adversity and the capability to handle stress in a positive manner
- Ability to productively work within tight deadlines
Experience & Education:
- 3 years of related experience
- Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) Designation
- Licensed Customs Broker preferred
Working Conditions:
- Sitting at desk, 90%
- Travel, 10%
Location:
- Based out of Pembina, ND (lives in MN or ND) or Columbia, SC office (lives in SC or NC)
Position Classification:
Wage dependent upon experience.
Location: Must be able to travel to Pembina, ND or Columbia, SC office regularly
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM EST /9 AM – 5:30 PM EST (40 hours/week)
Holidays: Two statutory holiday’s per year will be required to be worked
Why You'll Love Working Here:
- We CARE: Our values guide everything we do — Clients are our focus, Associates matter, Relentlessly serving traders, Excellence and innovation in all we do.
- Work-Life Balance: Flexibility and connection matter. Our Giveback Committee, Social Committee, and Cultural Ambassadors keep our teams supported, engaged, and inspired.
- Competitive Compensation: Fair pay through scheduled salary assessments and a performance-based bonus program.
- Excellent Benefits: Comprehensive, subsidized health, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, and life & AD&D coverage.
- Growth & Development: Access to our internal university, leadership development program
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need.